Doing something for Lent?

Over the years I've posted and re-posted a number of posts on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday with a few thoughts on Lent. 

I come from a church tradition where Lent is not a thing. 

I'm now part of church tradition where Lent is still not officially a thing - but the church family is made up of people from all kinds of backgrounds who draw on all kinds of resources and influences. The idea of pausing and reflecting and preparing for the season of Easter seems like a good idea. It's certainly not a bad idea.

It's always good to have those points in the year where we stop and reflect. An opportunity to maybe reflect on what we're doing or not doing. What direction we're headed in. What our priorities are. An opportunity for a fresh start or a time of recommitment. And if nothing else, Lent provides us with one of those points in the year.

I mentioned on Sunday that I would flag up some resources for anyone who is wanting to do something a bit different from their normal pattern of spiritual disciplines over the next few weeks. So, here are a few ideas.

Lectio 365 from 24-7 Prayer

I know that many of you make use of the Lectio365 app. The app uses the model of PRAY - Pausing, Rejoicing and Reflecting, Asking and Yielding - each day to help us encounter God.
They will be starting their Lent series of readings, reflections and prayers tomorrow. If you've not used the app before you can find out more here - or head to the place where you normally get your apps and look for Lectio 365. They also have an app Lection 365 for Familes when is especially designed for ... families. Both these resources are from the 24-7 Prayer team.

The Lent Encounter from The Bible Society

Those of you who enjoyed Andrew Ollerton's 'The Bible Course' might be interested to take a look at 'The Lent Encounter' by the Bible Society. It promises:

• Andrew Ollerton takes us on a tour of the Holy Land with videos of places from some of the most significant points of Jesus' life. 
• Bible Society staff share personal reflections on themes such as love, rejection, hope and peace. 
• Prayers and conversation starters for you to reflect on and share with others.
• Weekly ‘Wonder Walks’ with a guide to explore God’s word and meditate as you walk.
• Go deeper in to God's word and consider some big life questions along the way

You can sign up at the link above.

Lent Devotional from Tearfund

Again, if daily emails are your thing then Tearfund provide a Lent devotional that promises bite-sized daily reflections, prayers and poems to help you draw nearer to God as we approach Easter.

If none of those ideas grabs you - there's plenty more out there.